Rhonda's Abseil Challenge

On May 7th I shall be abseiling 100 metres down the Emirates Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth together with my brilliant cardiologist Dr. Will Wallis, from Watford General Hospital. Our aim is to support the essential research being carried out at the Royal Brompton Hospital in cardio genetics to enable genetic testing to be more readily available to diagnose potentially inherited conditions associated with both heart and lungs.

Cardiac genetic testing can prove an alert to raise awareness to avoid the fatal consequences, even for the fittest people. With early diagnosis, through genetic testing, the condition can be successfully identified, treated and managed.

At 78 years of age I am not the oldest lady to attempt this challenge but I am the oldest (and possibly, daftest) with two metal knees double by-pass and eight stents to take on this challenge. How else can I say thank you to the amazing cardiac teams both the Royal Brompton and Watford General who have looked after me during the past six years and given me new lease of life.

Dr. Will Wallis, Consultant Cardiologist at Watford General Hospital, aged 55 years, father of two teenage boys, has looked after my cardiac health for the past few years. He is a keen sportsman who usually prefers to keep his feet firmly on the ground.

All the funds raised will go toward the genetic testing research programme and consequently contribute to saving more young lives.